Bound by Bliss (Bound and Determined #2)(107)

“Haven’t you realized yet, Bliss, that that is an answer by itself? Perhaps in not knowing you are waiting for someone else to make the decision for you.”

Was that it? She was still working to understand her own thoughts. “I wish that I were clearer. I understand the truth in what you say, and yet it is not so simple. I cannot deny, no matter how much I might like to, that there is an attraction in what you say—and yet, I do need choice.”

“I think that is what you are slow to realize, my love. Your submission is a choice. I cannot force you to give in to me…well, perhaps I could, but then it would be force and not a gift.”

His words made so much sense and yet the edge of fear remained. If she gave in to him, gave him her all, then what would she be left with when he was gone? Tears welled behind her eyes. This was the heart of the matter, the heart of everything.



Her mind circled back.

If she allowed herself to love him he would leave. They always did.

Her mother—in death. Her father—in grief and lack of responsibility. Her brother—in too much responsibility and then in Louisa. Nobody that she needed stayed and cared for her, stayed and loved her. Even Stephan had left her once before, when he went to Clarissa, believing that Bliss was still too young. She might now understand, but the pain had not vanished.

The first of the tears leaked from her eyes, and she could not hold it back, and yet refused to acknowledge it.

“What did I say, Bliss?” His voice rang with concern.

“You ask too much.”

“But I offer everything as well.”

Was that true? Did he offer as much as he asked? She focused on his face, taking in the tight lips, pinched brow and the eyes that sought pieces of her soul. “I want to believe you. I do. But it is such a risk to take. How can I be sure?”

He stepped away from her and went to sit on the edge of the great bed. He patted the spot beside him. “Come. Sit.”

The command in his voice spoke to her and she found herself moving without thought. She settled herself on the bed beside him, her chemise held tight against her chest. The heat of his body called to her and she inched closer until their thighs touched.

After a moment his arm moved behind her and he pulled her close until she was cradled against his body. “There are few guarantees in life. I wish I could give them to you. I wish I could tell you that the world will be filled with spring lilacs and moonlight dances, but troubles do come and I cannot stop them. What I can do is promise to be there to share them with you.”



“But that is exactly what I am not sure I believe in. I don’t believe that people stay, and certainly not that they stay the same. How can I be sure that you will not leave me?” Her voice was trembling.

His arm crushed her closer. “What do you want me to say, Bliss? I cannot promise not to die like your mother. If I could, I would. But no man can make that promise. What I can promise is that nothing short of death will take me from you. I have known you were mine for years; do you really think I will change my mind now? When have you ever known me to change my mind?”

“You didn’t stay with me when I was seventeen and needed you.”

He released a long sigh. “I did fail you then, but it was not that I had changed my mind. I think you do understand that. I want you. I have always wanted you. I will not give up.”

Could it be true? Stephan was amazingly stubborn. He never gave up on something once he made up his mind. “No, but it’s not like I can tie you to me.”

“Don’t you realize that you already have? You have me bound as surely as if chains trapped us.”

“I do?” Was that hope that sounded in her voice? She rather thought it was.

“Yes, you do. I am yours as surely as you are mine.” He spoke with absolute confidence and she began to find herself believing him.



“How do you know that I am yours?” She forced a hint of humor into her voice, but there was no mistaking the seriousness of the question.

“Do you need me to prove it to you? To bind you so that you know no escape?” His voice darkened as he spoke and there was no mistaking the sudden shift in mood. “You did seem to like the scarves when I wrapped them about your wrists.” The arm that held her reached down and his hand took hers, his fingers reaching down to fully circle her wrist like a cuff.

A shiver ran down her spine at his control. She let her eyes drift shut, concentrated on the feel of his fingers holding her tight, giving her no options. It was a fantasy she knew. If she pulled back, he would let her go. Stephan would never force her to do anything—not unless she wanted him to. And she did want this. She was rational enough to understand that. She might feel fear, but it was not truly of Stephan and certainly not of what would happen between them in this chamber. It was up to her what happened next. It was her choice. “Do you really think that will hold me? Surely you can do better than that.” She pulled against his wrist, but only lightly, making it clear she had no true wish to escape.

She felt the deep breath that left him at her playful response. “I can hold you however I choose. Do I need to demonstrate?”

“I rather think you do.” She spoke far more boldly than she felt, her emotions rising and falling as quickly as an ocean wave in the midst of a tempest.

He slid off the bed, her wrist still wrapped in his long fingers, and turned to face her, his knees settling against hers. “Let the shift drop.”